Big Ideas Lab: Tech Transfer at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Episode Release Date: March 18, 2025 | Host: Mission.org

Introduction: Transforming Tragedy into Innovation

The episode opens with a poignant recount of the 1989 United Airlines Flight 232 disaster, where a catastrophic failure of a titanium fan disk led to the loss of 112 lives. This tragedy underscored the critical need for advancements in aviation safety, particularly in identifying and mitigating microscopic weaknesses in materials. In response, a public-private partnership between Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and Curtis Wright's Metal Improvement Company pioneered a groundbreaking solution: laser peening. This innovative technique strengthens metal components at a microscopic level, effectively preventing cracks before they form. Over two decades, laser peening has reinforced countless jet engine fan blades, significantly enhancing air travel safety worldwide.

1. The Innovation and Partnerships Office (IPO): Bridging Science and Industry

At the heart of LLNL's tech transfer success is the Innovation and Partnerships Office (IPO), led by Matthew Garrett, the Director of IPO. Garrett elaborates on the IPO's mission to facilitate the transition of laboratory innovations to the commercial sector:

"Our role is what's called the technology transformation at the lab and that encompasses a number of activities which essentially facilitate the capturing of innovations and facilitating partnerships with outside entities to allow that innovation to go from the laboratory to a company or outside entity such that it can be then either produced or commercially make an impact on the United States economy."
— Matthew Garrett [05:06]

The IPO plays a pivotal role in protecting intellectual property by securing patents and safeguarding scientists' work. It fosters diverse partnerships, ranging from licensing agreements with startups and large enterprises to collaborative research projects with universities and government agencies. Garrett emphasizes the IPO's commitment to national security and economic competitiveness through these strategic alliances.

2. Success Stories in Tech Transfer

a. High Peak Power Laser Peening

The journey from innovation to application was vividly illustrated through the development of high peak power laser peening. Originating from the need to prevent metal fatigue in aviation components, this technology has become instrumental in enhancing the durability and safety of critical metal parts across various industries.

b. Micropower Impulse Radar (MIR)

One of LLNL's standout tech transfer achievements is the Micropower Impulse Radar (MIR). Initially developed in the mid-1990s to measure ultrafast events in fusion experiments, MIR evolved into a versatile tool with applications in disaster response, GPS enhancement, and defense systems. MIR's ability to detect objects with high precision while consuming minimal power revolutionized radar technology, making it affordable and portable for widespread use.

"MIR can detect the faintest heartbeat or breath, guiding search and rescue teams to survivors trapped under rubble in cars. It powers collision avoidance systems. It also boosts GPS accuracy and strengthens defense systems by precisely measuring distances and detecting objects in complex environments."
— Narrator [07:25]

The commercialization of MIR by 42 different companies underscores the IPO's effectiveness in translating laboratory breakthroughs into real-world solutions that save lives and enhance technological capabilities.

c. Chromosome Painting: A Biotechnology Breakthrough

Another pivotal success story is chromosome painting, introduced in the mid-1980s. This biotechnology innovation allows researchers to tag individual chromosomes with fluorescent dyes, enabling detailed study of genetic material. Prior to chromosome painting, traditional staining methods were insufficient for distinguishing individual chromosomes or detecting minute genetic abnormalities.

"With chromosome painting, scientists were able to use fluorescent dyes to color-code each chromosome, see them clearly under a microscope, and tell them apart instantly."
— Narrator [12:33]

Developed by LLNL scientists Joe Gray and Don Pinkel, chromosome painting has become a cornerstone in genetic research, facilitating advancements in cancer diagnosis, evolutionary biology, and genetic disease detection. The technology was successfully commercialized through a partnership with Vicis, a subsidiary of Abbott Pharmaceuticals, highlighting the broad impact of LLNL's tech transfer initiatives.

d. Additive Manufacturing and Seurat Technologies

The episode also highlights the entrepreneurial journey of James DeMuth, a former LLNL scientist who co-founded Seurat Technologies, a company specializing in high-volume 3D metal printing. DeMuth's work addressed significant challenges in additive manufacturing, particularly in scaling production for complex metal components required in fusion reactors.

"One of the big issues we found was how do you make a chamber that can withstand the brutal environment of the fusion reactions... But it's going to take 200 years to use 3D printing to make one of these things, and I'm not going to live that long. So we need a faster way of doing things."
— James DeMuth [15:28]

With IPO's support, including facilitating partnerships and providing a safety net for entrepreneurial endeavors, Seurat Technologies successfully licensed LLNL's additive manufacturing technologies. This collaboration exemplifies how tech transfer empowers scientists to transform innovative research into viable businesses that drive industry advancements.

"The lab was able to provide effectively a safety net on entrepreneurial leave of absence... The IPO helped really make an environment where I felt I could go out on a limb and do something risky that otherwise might have been more challenging to do."
— James DeMuth [16:40]

3. Fostering an Entrepreneurial Mindset

Matthew Garrett emphasizes the importance of cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset among scientists and engineers:

"How do we teach scientists and engineers the thought process and the mindset of being an entrepreneur?... We have had this national laboratory entrepreneurship academy going for the last decade now, which teaches people the language and the skills of how to think entrepreneurially."
— Matthew Garrett [10:07]

The National Laboratory Entrepreneurship Academy has been instrumental in equipping researchers with the skills needed to communicate their ideas effectively, persuade stakeholders, and develop value propositions that attract investment and partnerships. This initiative ensures that innovative ideas can transition smoothly from the lab to the marketplace, maximizing their societal impact.

4. The Future of Tech Transfer at LLNL

Looking ahead, LLNL's tech transfer program is poised to continue its legacy of innovation and impact. Upcoming breakthroughs in areas such as fusion energy, AI-driven biotechnology, and quantum computing promise to shape the future of science and technology.

"It's all about impact... Individual narratives of stories, of technologies where you can connect our activities to something that people see and touch every day. That is priceless."
— Matthew Garrett [19:40]

As LLNL continues to forge new partnerships and secure patents, the IPO remains dedicated to ensuring that groundbreaking research translates into tangible benefits for society, reinforcing the United States' position as a global leader in science and technology.

Conclusion: Driving Innovation Beyond the Lab

The episode underscores LLNL's unwavering commitment to tech transfer as a catalyst for innovation and economic growth. Through the strategic efforts of the IPO and the entrepreneurial spirit of its scientists, LLNL transforms cutting-edge research into practical solutions that address global challenges. Whether through enhancing national security, advancing medical diagnostics, or revolutionizing manufacturing, LLNL's tech transfer initiatives exemplify the profound impact that collaborative innovation can have on the world.

Notable Quotes:

• Matthew Garrett:
  "Our role is what's called the technology transformation at the lab..."
  [05:06]

• Narrator on MIR:
  "MIR can detect the faintest heartbeat or breath..."
  [07:25]

• James DeMuth:
  "The lab was able to provide effectively a safety net on entrepreneurial leave of absence..."
  [16:40]

• Matthew Garrett on Impact:
  "It's all about impact... You can't put a dollar amount on that."
  [19:40]

About Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is a hub of scientific excellence, fostering a culture rooted in collaboration, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence. Through its diverse team and comprehensive support systems, LLNL continues to push the boundaries of scientific discovery and technological advancement, ensuring a safer and more innovative future.

For more information about career opportunities and tech transfer initiatives, visit llnl.gov/careers.